Seat area selection system, seat area selection method and program

Abstract

To provide a seat area selection system, a seat area selection method and a program which can reduce deviation of tendencies of allocation of positions which are used by a group in a free-address type office.SOLUTION: A seat area selection system comprises a recommendation processing unit which selects, regarding group arrangement for determining tables which are used by the respective groups from among a plurality of tables to be arranged in an object area used as a free-address type office, tables used by the respective groups on the basis of a table priority level showing priority of selecting as arrangement objects from among the plurality of tables in the object area, an arrangement order of the respective groups, the required number of tables determined for every group on the basis of use schedules of the respective groups, and allocated table identification information showing the allocated tables in the object area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat area selection system, a seat area selection method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a work style (ABW: Activity Based Working) in which workers (employees) can select the place where they can work most efficiently has attracted attention. A method of classifying the actions of workers in an office into a plurality of "scenes (work scenes)", for example, "Think", "Station", "Community", "Review", "Reception", "Academy", "Break" is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By optimizing the layout of each scene within the building and the positions where the groups using the building conduct their work at the design stage of the floor plan, the convenience of the building can be improved. According to Patent Document 1, general office work is classified as "Station", and communication between workers for meetings is classified as "Community", etc. Buildings configured to enable efficient work have already been provided by such scene classification. Furthermore, if the area for office work ("Station") is configured in a free-address type, workers can select the table and seat they use from the tables and seats provided in that area according to their preferences. In such a free-address type office, it may be desired to activate communication within the group and to be able to work in a suitable environment. Also, in a free-address type office, for example, a group address that assigns the position of the area where the group activities in units of groups may be applied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-115006 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] When group addresses were applied, the allocation of locations used by groups sometimes showed a bias. In such cases, the convenience of a free-address system was reduced. The object of the present invention is to provide a seating area selection system, a seating area selection method, and a program that can reduce bias in the allocation of seating locations used by groups in a free-address type office. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the first aspect of the present invention is a seating area selection system which, with respect to group arrangement which determines which table each group will use from among a plurality of tables arranged in a target area used as a free-address type office, includes a recommendation processing unit which selects which table each group will use based on a table priority indicating the priority of selecting which tables to be placed from among the plurality of tables in the target area, the arrangement order of each group, the required number of tables determined for each group based on the usage schedule of each group, and assigned table identification information indicating the assigned tables in the target area.

[0006] (2) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the recommendation processing unit determines a first group to be assigned preferentially from among the groups, according to a first selection criterion that uses the planned usage information of the target area and auxiliary information to reduce bias in the group assignment trend.

[0007] (3) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the auxiliary information for reducing the bias in the arrangement trend includes either identification information indicating that an area should not be selected as the first group, or historical information indicating the history of being selected as the first group.

[0008] (4) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the recommendation processing unit determines the arrangement order of the second group and subsequent groups from each group, excluding the first group, according to a second selection criterion different from the first selection criterion.

[0009] (5) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the second selection criterion is defined using the degree of relevance between each of the groups.

[0010] (6) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, when the recommendation processing unit assigns the first table to a group selected from among the groups, it determines the table to be selected based on whether or not that group is the first group.

[0011] (7) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, when the recommendation processing unit assigns the first table to the first group, it determines the table to be selected according to the assignment priority of each table within the target area.

[0012] (8) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, when the recommendation processing unit assigns the first table to the second group or later, it determines the table to be selected from among the tables adjacent to the tables assigned to groups prior to the target group, in accordance with the table priority order.

[0013] (9) Furthermore, in the seat area selection system, the planned usage information for the target area includes meeting schedule information for each group, which indicates meetings scheduled within the target area on the day the target area is to be used.

[0014] (10) Another aspect of the present invention is a seat area selection method relating to group arrangement, which determines which tables each group will use from among a plurality of tables arranged within a target area used as a free-address type office, and the method includes the step of a computer selecting which tables each group will use based on a table priority indicating the priority of selecting which tables to be placed from among the plurality of tables in the target area, the arrangement order of each group, the required number of tables determined for each group based on the usage schedule of each group, and assigned table identification information indicating the tables that have already been assigned within the target area.

[0015] (11) Another aspect of the present invention relates to group arrangement, which determines which tables each group will use from among a plurality of tables arranged within a target area used as a free-address type office, and is a program that causes a computer to execute the step of selecting which tables each group will use based on a table priority indicating the priority of selecting which tables to be placed from among the plurality of tables in the target area, the arrangement order of each group, the required number of tables determined for each group based on the usage schedule of each group, and allocated table identification information indicating the tables that have already been allocated within the target area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the bias in the allocation of locations used by groups in a free-address type office. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a building to which the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of the seat area selection system 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of the application of the seat area selection system 1. [Figure 2C]It is a diagram for explaining an application example of the seat area selection system 1 in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of the analysis processing device 100 of the embodiment. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to the table of the embodiment. [Figure 4B] It is a diagram for explaining an example of information related to the group of the embodiment. [Figure 4C] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the data of the processing result of the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of the recommendation processing of the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of the process for determining the priority order of the groups of the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of the process for arranging each group of the embodiment in a table. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the arrangement process for adjacent tables within a group of the embodiment. [Figure 9A] It is a diagram for explaining the table extracted in the process of the processing shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 9B] It is a diagram for explaining the table extracted in the process of the processing shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 9C] It is a diagram for explaining the table extracted in the process of the processing shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 9D] It is a diagram for explaining the table extracted in the process of the processing shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of the process for rearranging the tables extracted as candidates for the placement destination in the embodiment. [Figure 11A] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the result of rearranging the candidates for the placement destination by the processing shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 11B] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the result of rearranging the candidates for the placement destination by the processing shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart of the adjacent arrangement process between groups of the embodiment. [Figure 13A] This figure illustrates the table extracted during the processing shown in Figure 12. [Figure 13B] This figure illustrates the table extracted during the processing shown in Figure 12. [Figure 13C] This figure illustrates the table extracted during the processing shown in Figure 12. [Figure 13D] This figure illustrates the table extracted during the processing shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14A] This figure illustrates an example of the results obtained by rearranging the candidate placement locations using the process shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14B] This figure illustrates an example of the results obtained by rearranging the candidate placement locations using the process shown in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the seat area selection system, seat area selection method, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0019] (Matters common to all embodiments) The seating area selection system described below can be applied, for example, to the seating area selection process in a free-address office.

[0020] For example, within the building where the office is located, the seven aforementioned scenes are appropriately arranged to suit the work style. The work style includes various requirements such as job content, workplace, employment type, and working hours, and is predetermined on a group or worker basis. The arrangement of each scene is predetermined during the design phase by the floor plan and zoning, and is changed relatively infrequently. Although the utilization rate of each of the above scenes may differ depending on the content of daily work, in this embodiment, a common floor plan is applied, and the location of each scene remains unchanged.

[0021] The following embodiment relates to the use of areas assigned to a "station." The seating area selection system of this embodiment applies a "group address system" to a free-address type "station," by setting up "home areas" where tables and seats used by workers are grouped together. Within this "home area," a seat (home) to be used for daily work is determined. The seating area selection system proposes (recommends) the location of the table assigned to the "home area" in response to requests from workers. This is expected to stimulate communication within and outside the group and enhance workers' sense of belonging. Furthermore, free space is created by optimizing the arrangement of work areas (home areas) for each group. The seating area selection system sets up this free space in a desired location and provides opportunities for its use. The following describes the details of this.

[0022] (Examples of applications of the embodiment) The embodiments will be described with reference to the following application examples. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a building to which the embodiment is applied. In Figure 1 (a), the target area TZ is assigned a "Station". The number of workers using this target area TZ is determined based on the total number of seats at each table. For example, a total of approximately 30 to 50 people is expected. While it is possible to accommodate up to the total number of seats, for convenience, it is best to limit the number of users to about 80% of the total number of seats. For example, each table in a "Station" should have 4 to 6 seats. Each table is positioned, for example, at the intersection of a two-dimensional grid. The size, shape, and number of seats of each table may be uniform, although some may differ from one another. The number and placement of each table are not limited to those shown in Figure 1 (a) and may be changed as appropriate.

[0023] The example diagram shown in Figure 1(a) includes, in addition to the target area TZ described above, adjacent areas NZ1 and NZ2. Adjacent area NZ1 is adjacent to the target area TZ. Adjacent area NZ1 is assigned to "Community," one of the scenes described above. In "Community," for example, a place is provided where workers can communicate with each other. Adjacent area NZ2 is adjacent to the target area TZ and adjacent area NZ1, and adjacent area NZ2 has a "passageway" that runs in the direction in which the target area TZ and adjacent area NZ1 are arranged side by side. Figure 1(b) shows a legend for the information shown in the table section of Figure 1(a).

[0024] The position of the table within the target area TZ is indicated using XY coordinates. The origin of the XY coordinate system is defined as the point where the "community" and the "pathway" meet. The X-axis direction is aligned with the extension direction of the "pathway," and the Y-axis direction intersects with the extension direction of the "pathway."

[0025] In Figure 1(a), "a1" through "a4", "b1" through "b4", and "c1" through "c4" each represent, for example, a table with four seats.

[0026] Although not shown in the diagram, the working hours of each group using the target area TZ are set to a common time slot and are not based on a shift system with different working hours for each group. Furthermore, a flextime system or overtime may be applied. For example, the time slots proposed by the seating area selection system may be either regular working hours, overtime hours, or both. In the case of both, the seating area selection system may make different proposals for regular working hours and overtime hours.

[0027] The area where free tables FT (not shown) that are not assigned to any group are placed is called the free space FS (not shown). The area where free tables FT are placed together is called the central table BB. Free tables FT are tables that have become available due to being vacant, and by adjusting the placement of these vacant seats, each group is permitted to use them as a place for communication and other purposes, or as a place for individual workers to concentrate.

[0028] (Embodiment) Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the seat area selection system 1 of the embodiment. The seat area selection system 1 in this embodiment includes an analysis processing device 100, a terminal device 200, and a terminal device 200M. Workers are denoted by the code W. Administrators are denoted by the code M. The codes W and M will be omitted in the following description.

[0029] The terminal device 200 is a device used by workers to post and view information. For example, each worker carries the same type of terminal device 200. The codes GA, GB, GC, and GD shown in Figure 2A indicate the group to which the worker belongs. By operating the terminal device 200 that each worker carries, they can send information (for example, questionnaire responses) to the analysis processing device 100, retrieve information from the analysis processing device 100, and display it on its display unit, thereby obtaining the location of tables available to workers within the office.

[0030] Terminal device 200M is a device operated by the administrator M of the seat area selection system 1 to change the settings of the analysis processing device 100.

[0031] Figures 2B and 2C are diagrams illustrating an example of the application of the seat area selection system 1. Figure 2B shows a typical workday. The seating area selection system 1 displays information on the worker's terminal device 200 (e.g., smartphone) when the worker arrives at work at 9:00, or when the worker is scheduled to arrive at work at 9:00, indicating the seat the worker will use that day. The terminal device 200 may display this information in a pop-up format (Figure 2C). The worker may also operate the pop-up icon on the terminal device 200 to display related information regarding seating (digital signage display).

[0032] Furthermore, the seating area selection system 1 displays information on the worker's terminal device 200 (e.g., smartphone) indicating the work area (seat) they will use for overtime during the day, for example, when it is time to leave work (e.g., 5:30 PM). The work area used for overtime is determined so that all groups fit within a portion of the overall area. Within this work area, the workers may be divided into groups and arranged accordingly, or they may be arranged in a general free-address style.

[0033] In this way, the seating area selection system 1 can recommend work areas according to the office usage patterns.

[0034] An example of the analysis processing device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the analysis processing device 100 of the embodiment. The analysis processing device 100 is an example of a computer system.

[0035] The analysis processing device 100 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 10, a calculation unit 30, a recommendation processing unit 40, an output unit 50, and a storage unit 60 (not shown).

[0036] The memory unit 60 stores various data and programs for various processes performed by each part of the seat area selection system 1, as described later. The seat area selection system 1 may also be configured to use an external memory unit in addition to the memory unit 60, and a general method using communication may be applied for this purpose.

[0037] The information acquisition unit 10 acquires various data related to the processing of the seat area selection system 1 from an operation unit not shown in Figure 3, or via a communication line NW (Figure 2A). The various data include, for example, basic information, information related to the previous day's questionnaire (planned information), and data on the amount of inter-organizational communication up to the previous day.

[0038] For example, basic information includes various pieces of information such as the building's floor plan, the work style of each target group, the personnel composition of workers in each group, the arrangement of multiple tables, and the table priority. Floor plan information includes information on the positional relationship and distance between the target area TZ, which is used as a free-address office, and areas for specific purposes located outside the target area TZ. Information from the previous day's questionnaire includes information such as the expected presence in the office on the day and whether or not there are any meetings scheduled for the day, as declared by the workers of each group. The above information from the previous day's questionnaire is an example of scheduled work information for the day of use, which was declared the day before the use of multiple tables. The above scheduled information is an example of scheduled use information for the target area TZ. Scheduled use information for the target area TZ may include scheduled meeting information for each group, indicating meetings scheduled within the target area TZ on the day of use. The amount of communication between groups includes activity history information (including location information) for the past few days.

[0039] When the information acquisition unit 10 acquires the various data described above, it writes and adds the acquired information to the storage unit 60. The following functional units add the results of processing using the various data acquired by the information acquisition unit 10 or the various data stored in the storage unit 60 to the storage unit 60.

[0040] Based on the above schedule information, the calculation unit 30 calculates the number of tables required on the day of use (required number of tables) from among multiple tables in the target area TZ to be used as tables that restrict the usage pattern on the day of use. The required number of tables includes the number of tables for each group and the number of free tables. More specifically, this required number of tables on the day of use includes the number of tables allocated for exclusive use by each group and the number of free tables FT allocated for shared use by each group. In this embodiment, processing based on the number of tables is described, but processing based on the number of seats may be used instead.

[0041] The calculation unit 30 calculates the number of people who answered that they have a meeting for each group based on the above schedule information, and calculates the meeting ratio, attendance rate, etc., based on this. The calculation unit 30 calculates the amount of communication between groups based on the behavior history information. The proximity between groups is an example of the amount of communication between groups.

[0042] Based on the above schedule information, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the priority of group placement to determine which tables will be used by multiple groups, including the first group and the second group, within the target area TZ. For example, a group with a higher priority in group placement is called the first group. In this case, the second group has a lower priority than the first group. The same applies to subsequent groups.

[0043] Furthermore, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the areas of the second group, which have a lower priority than the group placement priority of the first group, in areas other than those where the first group areas are placed, in order to satisfy the required number of tables. This determines the location of the second group areas. The placement of these second group areas shall follow the rules for the placement of second group areas, which will be described later.

[0044] The recommendation processing unit 40 may select free tables FT that members of the first group and members of the second group are permitted to use as appropriate, in order to meet the required number of tables.

[0045] The output unit 50 receives requests from external terminal devices and outputs the results of the processing performed by the recommendation processing unit 40 to the terminal devices in response to those requests.

[0046] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, an example of various information related to the embodiment shown will be explained.

[0047] Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to a table in the embodiment. The "table master" shown in Figure 4A stores information related to each table. The "table master" includes items such as table ID, number of seats, coordinates (X coordinate, Y coordinate), central table, extraction order, and table priority. Each record in the "table master" is provided for each table.

[0048] The Table ID is the identification information for each table. The Number of Seats is the number of seats for each table. The X-coordinate indicates the X-coordinate of each table, and the Y-coordinate indicates the Y-coordinate. The Table Priority is the priority order for selecting tables when arranging groups.

[0049] The central table displays information to identify that it is a table within central table BB, and information that defines the priority of tables within central table BB. For example, "0" indicates that it is not set as central table BB, and any number other than 0 indicates that each table is set as a central table. The priority of tables within central table BB is defined, for example, with "1" having the highest priority, and the priority decreases as the number increases sequentially.

[0050] The extraction order indicates the result of a predetermined calculation process related to table allocation. For example, the extraction order is defined with "1" as having the highest priority, and the priority decreases as the numerical value increases sequentially.

[0051] Table priority is the priority order in which tables are selected when arranging groups. For example, "1" is defined as the highest priority, and the priority decreases as the number increases sequentially.

[0052] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of group-related information in the embodiment. The "group master" shown in Figure 4B stores information related to each group. The "Group Master" includes items such as Group ID, Name, Number of Members, Number of Expected Attendees, Number of Required Tables, Number of Scheduled Meeting Participants, Meeting Participant Ratio, Flag to Not Be the First, and Group Processing Order.

[0053] For example, the Group ID is the identification information for each group. The Name indicates the name of each group. The Number of Members indicates the number of members in each group. The number of expected attendees indicates the number of people expected to be present on that day. For example, this could be a value calculated based on survey results, accumulating the number of expected attendees for that day. The number of required tables indicates the number of tables needed to assign attendees based on the number of expected attendees.

[0054] The number of people scheduled for meetings indicates the number of people among those expected to be present who have scheduled meetings. For example, this could be the total number of people among those expected to be present who responded that they have scheduled meetings, based on survey results. The ratio of people scheduled for meetings indicates the proportion of people expected to be present who responded that they have scheduled meetings. For example, this could be the ratio of the number of people scheduled for meetings to the number of people expected to be present.

[0055] The "Do not place first" flag indicates information to prevent a group from being placed in the highest priority table during the group placement process. For example, a group that should not be placed in the highest priority table is set to 1. The group priority indicates the order in which groups are selected for processing during the group placement process. This group priority is recalculated and updated each time processing is performed, referencing the basic data of the group master, the proximity between groups, the output history, etc.

[0056] The basic data for the group master should include information based on survey results, such as group ID, number of members, number of expected attendees, number of tables required, number of scheduled meetings, ratio of scheduled meetings, and a flag indicating that the group should not be the first to be listed. For calculating the proximity between groups, known methods such as those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-115006 may be used. The group priority in the "group master" should also be defined using sequential numbers starting from 1, similar to the table priority mentioned above.

[0057] Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing result data of the embodiment. The "Output Data" shown in Figure 4E stores the processing result data. The "Output Data" includes items such as table ID, number of seats, group ID, group name, number of used seats, and number of vacant seats. For example, the number of seats indicates the number of seats that can be assigned to each table. For each table associated with the table ID, a group associated with the group ID is assigned, and that number of people is stored as the number of used seats. The number of vacant seats is the result of subtracting the number of used seats from the number of seats for each table.

[0058] Figure 4C illustrates a scenario where the 10 members of Group A are distributed among three tables, "a1," "a2," and "b1." Tables "a1" and "a2" each have 4 members, with no vacancies. In contrast, table "b1" has 2 members, leaving 2 vacancies. All other tables are empty.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, an overview of the recommendation processing in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the recommendation process in the embodiment.

[0060] The recommendation processing unit 40 determines the priority of the group (step S1). Details of this will be described later.

[0061] The recommendation processing unit 40 obtains the group ID and the number of people expected to be present according to the group priority (step S2), places each group in a table based on this (step S3), and adds the result to the output data. Details of this will be described later.

[0062] The recommendation processing unit 40 obtains the number of assigned seats by referring to the output data (step S4). The recommendation processing unit 40 compares the number of expected occupants with the number of assigned seats to determine whether the number of expected occupants is less than or equal to the number of assigned seats (number of expected occupants ≤ number of assigned seats) (step S5). If the number of expected occupants exceeds the number of assigned seats, the recommendation processing unit 40 continues processing that group and performs the processing from step S3.

[0063] If the number of people scheduled to be present is less than or equal to the number of seats already assigned, the recommendation processing unit 40 attempts to finish processing that group and switch to processing the next group. For example, the recommendation processing unit 40 identifies whether or not processing for all groups has been completed (step S6). If processing for all groups has not been completed, the recommendation processing unit 40 performs the processing from step S2 in order to switch to processing for the next group.

[0064] Once processing for all groups is complete, the recommendation processing unit 40 outputs the history information (step S7) and finishes the series of processes.

[0065] The above processes are carried out upon the administrator's request or at predetermined times. The following provides more specific examples of these processes and explains each step in more detail.

[0066] First, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the process for determining the priority of each group involved in step S1 (Figure 5) described above will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the process for determining the priority of the groups in the embodiment. The process illustrated in Figure 6 is useful when ensuring balance between groups in the results extracted as the groups to be assigned initially.

[0067] The recommendation processing unit 40 calculates the percentage of people scheduled for meetings based on the results of the previous day's survey (step S11).

[0068] It is recommended to sort the groups based on the "flag not to be the first choice," the ratio of scheduled meeting participants, and the priority order of the groups to be selected, in order to determine the selection order of the groups to be processed. The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts the group that comes first in this selection order as the group to be processed (step S12).

[0069] For example, regarding the "flag not to be the first to be prioritized," groups without this flag will be given priority over groups with this flag. Regarding the ratio of scheduled meeting participants, groups with a relatively high ratio will be given priority. In other words, in the case of the ratio of scheduled meeting participants, selection will be in descending order. For group priority, the priority order will be followed. The priority order of the group master may be used as the group priority order.

[0070] The recommendation processing unit 40 calculates the percentage (simply referred to as the "percentage") of times the extracted group was assigned first in a predetermined past period (e.g., 30 days) (step S13). The recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether that percentage exceeds a predetermined ratio (e.g., 30%) (step S14).

[0071] If the proportion does not exceed the predetermined ratio, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the extracted group to be the "first priority group" (step S15).

[0072] If the ratio exceeds the predetermined ratio, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether there is a group among all the groups to be evaluated that has not yet been evaluated, in other words, whether the group to be evaluated is the last group (step S16).

[0073] If it is not the last group, the recommendation processing unit 40 extracts the next group to be evaluated from among the groups whose evaluation has not yet been completed (the next group) (step S17).

[0074] If it is the last group, the recommendation processing unit 40 determines the group that came first in the selection order in step S12 to be the "first priority group" (step S18).

[0075] The recommendation processing unit 40 determines the processing order for the second and subsequent groups (step S19).

[0076] Furthermore, it is advisable to apply inter-group proximity to determine the processing order for the second and subsequent groups. For example, inter-group proximity can be determined based on information about the amount of communication between each group, based on past behavioral history. In this case, the time and number of people who were located within a predetermined range and stayed at that location for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) or longer is measured, and the result obtained by dividing the total time (product of time and number of people) over a week by the number of people in that group is used.

[0077] For example, let's say Group A has 5 members and Group B has 10 members. If three members from Group A and three members from Group B meet for 10 minutes, and two members from Group A and two members from Group B meet for 20 minutes, the inter-group proximity between Group A and Group B will be calculated according to equations (1) to (3) below. Inter-group proximity is an example of an indicator showing the degree of association between groups.

[0078] A:(30+40) / 5 people=14 minutes...(1) B:(30+40) / 10 people=7 minutes ···(2) Proximity between Group A and Group B: 14 + 7 = 21 minutes ···(3)

[0079] Using the same method as described above, calculate the inter-group proximity between two groups for each group.

[0080] If multiple groups have the same proximity score, the following conditions may be used to determine their ranking.

[0081] • Select the one that has been placed in close proximity to the other in the past (called proximity count) (Condition 1). • Select the one that was placed in close proximity to the previous time (second condition).

[0082] The above conditions can be combined. For example, the first condition can be applied first, and if the number of proximitys is the same as the first condition, then the second condition can be applied.

[0083] Furthermore, the process for determining the processing order of the second and subsequent groups is not limited to the above, and known ordering methods may be applied.

[0084] Based on the above process, it is advisable to determine the priority of each group.

[0085] Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the process of placing each group involved in step S3 (Figure 5) into a table will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process of placing each group into a table in the embodiment.

[0086] The recommendation processing unit 40 identifies whether or not it is the first table placement for the group with the acquired group ID (step S31).

[0087] If the acquired group ID is the first table to be placed in the group, the recommendation processing unit 40 identifies whether the acquired group ID is the first group to be placed in the group (step S32).

[0088] If the first group is extracted, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the first table of that group in the table with the highest table priority (step S34), and completes the series of processes. This ensures that the first table of the group to be selected is placed in the table with the highest table priority.

[0089] If groups other than the first group, i.e., groups from the second group onward, are extracted, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the group to be placed in a table with a high table priority that is adjacent to the table of the group processed immediately before the group to be placed, and that has not yet been assigned (step S35), thereby completing the series of processes. This allows the first table of the second group onward to be placed adjacent to the previous group.

[0090] If the acquired group ID is not being used for the placement of the first table for that group, the recommendation processing unit 40 places the group in a table adjacent to the table where the group with that group ID is already placed, and which has not yet been assigned, in a table with a high table priority (step S33), and then completes the series of processes. This allows the second and subsequent tables for each group to be placed in order.

[0091] According to the above process, by identifying the assignment order of the groups within each group and whether it is the assignment process for the first table within that group, the process can be carried out in accordance with the order in which the groups are assigned.

[0092] (First application example) Next, with reference to Figures 8 and 9A to 9D, an example of applying the process of arranging tables within a group adjacent to each other in step S35 (Figure 7) described above (first application example) will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the process of arranging tables within a group adjacent to each other in the embodiment. Figures 9A to 9D are diagrams for explaining the tables extracted in the process shown in Figure 8. Figure 9A(a) shows the extracted tables with dark hatching. Diagonal hatching indicates the starting table. Figure 9A(b) shows a list containing items corresponding to the table master. This list is obtained by omitting the "horizontal coordinate" and "vertical coordinate" from the table master and shows the tables extracted in each process. Figures 9B to 9D are similar to Figure 9A.

[0093] The recommendation processing unit 40 obtains the coordinates of the first table (step S81) and uses this as the starting point. For example, in the example shown in Figures 9A to 9D, the first table of group X is already placed at "a1", and this is used as the starting point. The following example illustrates the placement of the second table of group X. Group X can be any of groups A through D, and is used as an example for explanatory purposes.

[0094] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts tables that are available within a range of ±1 vertically or horizontally from the starting point as candidate tables for placement (referred to as the first candidate) (step S82). For example, as shown in Figure 9A, extraction starting from "a1" extracts "b1" and "a2" as the first candidates. The recommendation processing unit 40 adds "1" to the extracted "b1" and "a2" as data in the extraction order of the table master to indicate the first candidate.

[0095] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts tables that are available within a range of ±1 diagonally from the starting point as candidate tables for placement (step S83). For example, as shown in Figure 9B, extraction starting from "a1" extracts "b2" as the second candidate. The recommendation processing unit 40 adds "2" to the extracted "b2" as data in the extraction order of the table master to indicate the second candidate.

[0096] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts tables that are available within a range of ±2 vertically or horizontally from the starting point as candidate tables for placement (step S84). For example, as shown in Figure 9C, extraction starting from "a1" extracts "b1", "c2", "a2", and "a3" as third candidates. The recommendation processing unit 40 adds "3" to the extracted "b1", "c2", "a2", and "a3" as data in the extraction order of the table master to indicate the third candidate.

[0097] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts all available tables as candidate tables for placement (step S85). Available tables are tables that have not yet been assigned to a group. For example, as shown in Figure 9D, extraction starting from "a1" extracts all tables other than "a1" as the fourth candidate. For all the extracted tables other than "a1", the recommendation processing unit 40 adds "4" to the table master data to indicate the fourth candidate.

[0098] The recommendation processing unit 40 identifies whether or not there are any extracted tables (step S86). If there are no extracted tables, the recommendation processing unit 40 stops processing because there are no available tables (step S89).

[0099] If there are extracted tables, the recommendation processing unit 40 rearranges the extracted tables as candidates for placement according to a predetermined rule (step S87). The recommendation processing unit 40 places the data in the table that is at the top of the rearrangement (step S88), and then terminates the series of processes.

[0100] Here, we will explain an example of rearranging the tables extracted as candidate placement locations, referring to Figure 10, Figure 11A, and Figure 11B. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the process of rearranging the tables extracted as candidate placement locations in the embodiment. Figures 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of the result of rearranging the candidate placement locations.

[0101] The recommendation processing unit 40 integrates the data from the tables extracted as the first to fourth candidates (step S871). At this time, the data in tables that have been extracted repeatedly will be duplicated, but the following processing may be continued.

[0102] The recommendation processing unit 40 determines whether the ratio of the number of tables that will become free to the total number of tables within the placement target reaches a predetermined value (called the threshold K) (step S872). For example, the threshold K is set to half.

[0103] If the ratio does not reach a predetermined threshold K, that is, if the ratio of free tables is less than threshold K, it is advisable to perform a sorting operation that reserves tables near the center (tables in the BB area) for use as free tables FT. More specifically, the recommendation processing unit 40 first sorts using the data of the items in the central table (step S873), and places the tables near the center towards the end of the list of candidates. Subsequently, the recommendation processing unit 40 sorts using the data of the items in the extraction order in the group master (for example, Figures 11A and 11B) (step S874), and finally sorts using the data of the items in the table priority order (step S875). This yields the result shown in Figure 11A.

[0104] In contrast, when the ratio reaches a predetermined threshold K, that is, when the ratio of free tables is greater than or equal to threshold K, it is preferable to perform sorting without reserving the tables near the center (tables in the BB area) as free tables FT. More specifically, the recommendation processing unit 40 proceeds to step S874 without performing sorting using the data of the central table items. This allows for the acquisition of results different from those described above, as shown in Figure 11B.

[0105] Comparing Figure 11A and Figure 11B, the first item remains "b1". However, in Figure 11B, the tables "b2" and "b3," which are assigned to the central table items, are located later in this list. This differs from Figure 11A, where they are located at the end of the list.

[0106] According to the above application example, the seating area selection system 1 can arrange tables used by members of a group adjacent to each other.

[0107] (Second application example) Next, with reference to Figures 12 and 13A to 13D, an example of applying the adjacent placement process of groups in step S34 (Figure 7) described above (second application example) will be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the adjacent placement process of groups in the embodiment. Figures 13A to 13D are diagrams for explaining the tables extracted in the process shown in Figure 12. Figures 12 and 13A to 13D correspond to Figures 8 and 9A to 9D mentioned above.

[0108] The recommendation processing unit 40 obtains all the coordinates of the table of the previously processed group (step S81A) and uses this as the starting point. For example, in the example shown in Figures 13A to 13D, the second table of group A has already been placed at "a1" and "b1", and this illustrates the case where the table of group B is placed using these as the starting point. The notation in Figures 13A to 13D is the same as in Figures 9A to 9D mentioned above.

[0109] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts tables that are available within a range of ±1 vertically or horizontally from each starting point as candidate tables for placement (referred to as first candidates) (step S82A). For example, as shown in Figure 13A, extraction starting from "a1" and "b1" extracts "c1", "a2", and "b2" as first candidates. The recommendation processing unit 40 adds "1" to the extracted "c1", "a2", and "b2" as data in the extraction order of the table master to indicate the first candidate.

[0110] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts tables that are available within a range of ±1 diagonally from each starting point as candidate tables for placement (step S83A). For example, as shown in Figure 13B, extraction starting from "a1" and "b1" extracts "a2", "b2", and "c2" as second candidates. The recommendation processing unit 40 adds "2" to the extracted "a2", "b2", and "c2" as data in the extraction order of the table master to indicate the second candidate.

[0111] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts tables that are available within a range of ±2 vertically or horizontally from each starting point as candidate tables for placement (step S84A). For example, as shown in Figure 13C, extraction starting from "a1" and "b1" extracts "c1", "a2", "b2", "a3", and "b3" as third candidates. The recommendation processing unit 40 adds "3" to the extracted "c1", "a2", "b2", "a3", and "b3" as data in the extraction order of the table master to indicate the third candidate.

[0112] The recommendation processing unit 40 extracts all available tables as candidate tables for placement (step S85A). Available tables are tables that have not yet been assigned to a group. For example, as shown in Figure 13D, extraction starting from "a1" and "b1" extracts all tables except "a1" and "b1" as the fourth candidate. For all the extracted tables except "a1" and "b1", the recommendation processing unit 40 adds "4" to the table master data to indicate the fourth candidate in the extraction order.

[0113] The recommendation processing unit 40 identifies whether or not there are any extracted tables (step S86). From here on, the processing from steps S87 to S89 is the same as in Figure 8 above.

[0114] Here, we will explain an example of rearranging the tables extracted as candidate placement locations, referring to Figures 14A and 14B. Figures 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating an example of the result of rearranging the candidate placement locations. Figures 14A and 14B correspond to Figures 11A and 11B mentioned above.

[0115] When the ratio of the number of free tables to the total number of tables within the deployment area does not reach a predetermined value, that is, when there are relatively few free tables, the results shown in Figure 14A are obtained.

[0116] In contrast, when that ratio reaches a predetermined value, that is, when there are a relatively large number of empty tables, the results shown in Figure 14B can be obtained.

[0117] Comparing Figure 14A and Figure 14B, the first item remains "c1". In Figure 14B, however, the tables "b2" and "b3," which are assigned to items in the central table, are scattered throughout this list. For example, "b2" is assigned as the third item from the top of the list. This differs from Figure 14A, where it is assigned at the end of the list.

[0118] According to the above application example, the seating area selection system 1 can arrange tables used by core groups with a high degree of association with each other adjacent to each other.

[0119] The seating area selection system 1 of any of the above embodiments includes a recommendation processing unit 40 that selects a table for each group to use based on a table priority indicating the priority for selecting a table for placement from among multiple tables placed in a target area used as a free-address type office, the placement order of each group, the required number of tables determined for each group based on each group's planned use, and assigned table identification information indicating an already assigned table in the target area. This reduces bias in the allocation of seating areas used by groups within a free-address type office.

[0120] The recommendation processing unit 40 may determine the first group to be prioritized for placement from among the groups, according to a first selection criterion that uses the planned usage information of the target area TZ and auxiliary information for reducing bias in the group placement trend. In this case, the auxiliary information for reducing bias in the placement trend may include either identification information indicating that a group should not be selected as the first group, or history information indicating the history of being selected as the first group. A "flag not to be the first" can be applied to the identification information indicating that a group should not be selected as the first group. The number of times a group has been selected within a predetermined period may be applied to the history information indicating the history of being selected as the first group.

[0121] Furthermore, the recommendation processing unit 40 may determine the placement order of the second and subsequent groups, excluding the first group, according to a second selection criterion different from the first selection criterion. This second selection criterion may be defined using the degree of relevance between each group. This allows the second group to be assigned according to the situation after the assignment of the first group has been completed.

[0122] Furthermore, when the recommendation processing unit 40 assigns the first table to a group selected from among the aforementioned groups, it may determine which table to select based on whether the selected group is the first group or not. This allows a predetermined desired table to be assigned as the first table to the first group. In this case, the recommendation processing unit 40 may determine which table to select according to the assignment priority of each table within the target area TZ.

[0123] Furthermore, when the recommendation processing unit 40 assigns the first table to the second group or later, it can determine the position of each group in accordance with the table priority by selecting a table to be selected from among the tables adjacent to the tables assigned to groups prior to the target group, according to the table priority.

[0124] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the seat area selection system 1 has a computer system inside. The series of processes related to the above-mentioned processing are stored in the form of a program on a computer-readable storage medium, and the above processing is performed when the computer reads and executes this program. Here, the computer-readable storage medium refers to magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives this distribution executes the program. Furthermore, the term "computer system" as used herein includes an operating system, etc.

[0125] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Embodiments of the present invention can be, for example, obtained by modifying the above embodiments as follows. For example, in the above embodiment, for convenience, the configuration related to the present invention was described as if each function of the seat area selection system 1 were integrated into a single device, but each function may be appropriately distributed among multiple devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1 Seat area selection system, 10 Information acquisition unit, 30 Calculation unit, 40 Recommendation processing unit, 50 Output unit, 60 Storage unit, 100 Analysis processing unit, 200, 200M Terminal device

Claims

1. Regarding group arrangement, which determines which table each group will use from among multiple tables arranged within a target area used as a free address office, a recommendation processing unit that selects a table to be used by each of the groups based on table priority order indicating a priority for selecting a table to be placed from among the plurality of tables in the target area, the placement order of each of the groups, the number of required tables determined for each group based on the use schedule of each of the groups, and assigned table identification information indicating tables that have been assigned in the target area; A seating area selection system comprising:

2. The recommendation processing unit determining a first group to be preferentially allocated from among the groups according to a first selection criterion using the planned use information of the target area and auxiliary information for reducing bias in group allocation tendency; The seating area selection system according to claim 1 .

3. The auxiliary information for reducing the bias of the placement tendency includes either identification information indicating that the target is to be excluded from selection as the first group or history information indicating a history of selection as the first group. The seating area selection system according to claim 2 .

4. The recommendation processing unit determining the arrangement order of the second and subsequent groups by excluding the first group from each of the groups according to a second selection criterion different from the first selection criterion; The seating area selection system according to claim 2 .

5. The second selection criterion is defined using the degree of association between the groups. The seating area selection system according to claim 4.

6. The recommendation processing unit When allocating the first table to a group selected from the groups, the table to be selected is determined depending on whether the group is the first group or not.

6. The seating area selection system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The recommendation processing unit When allocating a first table to the first group, the table to be selected is determined according to the allocation priority of each table in the target area. The seating area selection system according to claim 6.

8. The recommendation processing unit When allocating the first table to the second group or later, the table to be selected is determined from among the tables adjacent to the table allocated to the group prior to the target group in accordance with the table priority order.

8. The seating area selection system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The target area usage schedule information includes meeting schedule information for each group indicating a meeting scheduled within the target area on the target area usage date. The seating area selection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A seating area selection method for group arrangement, which determines a table to be used by each group from among a plurality of tables arranged in a target area used as a free address office, comprising: By computer, selecting a table to be used by each of the groups based on a table priority indicating a priority for selecting a table to be placed from among the plurality of tables in the target area, the placement order of each group, the number of required tables determined for each group based on the use schedule of each group, and allocated table identification information indicating tables that have already been allocated in the target area; A seating area selection method including:

11. Regarding group arrangement, which determines which table each group will use from among multiple tables arranged within a target area used as a free address office, On the computer, selecting a table to be used by each of the groups based on a table priority indicating a priority for selecting a table to be placed from among the plurality of tables in the target area, the placement order of each group, the number of required tables determined for each group based on the use schedule of each group, and allocated table identification information indicating tables that have already been allocated in the target area; A program to execute.

Images